Module Information
Module Identifier
TFM3600
Module Title
Film Producing
Academic Year
2021/2022
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 1 (Taught over 2 semesters)
Other Staff
Course Delivery
Assessment
Due to Covid-19 students should refer to the module Blackboard pages for assessment details
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | Research Project (5000 words) | 50% |
| Semester Assessment | Shooting Budget (Completion of a budget based on the shooting schedule together with a critical assumptions document based on an approved script) | 25% |
| Semester Assessment | Shooting Schedule (Completion of a full shooting schedule, a one line shooting schedule together with a critical assumptions document based on an approved script.) | 25% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Shooting budget (Completion of a budget based on the shooting schedule together with a critical assumptions document based on an approved script). | 25% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Shooting schedule (Completion of a full shooting schedule, a one line shooting schedule together with a critical assumptions document based on an approved script). | 25% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Research project (5000 words) | 50% |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
1. Critically review and concisely present research ideas within a short presentation format.
2. Comprehensively understand how to develop, from an extensive range of research sources, a workable film schedule and Budget.
3. Critically evaluate conceptual contributions to a scripted idea during schedule development; paying close attention to specific role contributions.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of specific elements of the film script through the scheduling and budgeting process.
5. Identify a suitable topic for research.
6. Plan, organize and manage a research project on the chosen subject.
7. To demonstrate an advanced critical awareness of the global film business and the roles and responsibilities of those involved.
8. To critically evaluate the impact of complex finance structures used in the film industry.
9. To demonstrate an awareness of the complexities involved in film financing and film value chain models.
10. To demonstrate a mastery of a range of theoretical and practical approaches to concepts of film business strategies.
Brief description
Part 1:
Creating an efficient schedule for shooting a script is the backbone of making the most of a production’s finite resources. Whether shooting a five-minute short film or a £100 Million studio feature film, there will always be limits to the resources available, and each of those resources needs to be scheduled as efficiently as possible. This module will guide students through the step by step process of creating a production schedule from a properly formatted screenplay. This module will enable students to think as filmmakers as their story moves from words on a page to an appropriate realised set of proposals, each with its own specific scheduling requirement. The schedule is the foundation of the budget which in turn is the basis of the finance plan. The purpose of the budget is to create the financial plan for the film. This module enables students to engage with a sustained and detailed research enquiry into the fundamentals of budgeting and scheduling a script for production.
Part 2:
Changing technology and user demands are radically challenging the established norms for the international film business. This part of the module will examine the key business demands required to run a film business operation effectively. We will look at how the film business functions and what is required to prepare a funding strategy for the 21st century. How do you attract financiers and how does film economics function? The module will examine the independent film industry and will analyze the present structure as a business. We will research current business structures and analyze how it potentially may change the structure and opportunities offered by the industry in the future, whilst exploring the different business and management skills and strategies.
Creating an efficient schedule for shooting a script is the backbone of making the most of a production’s finite resources. Whether shooting a five-minute short film or a £100 Million studio feature film, there will always be limits to the resources available, and each of those resources needs to be scheduled as efficiently as possible. This module will guide students through the step by step process of creating a production schedule from a properly formatted screenplay. This module will enable students to think as filmmakers as their story moves from words on a page to an appropriate realised set of proposals, each with its own specific scheduling requirement. The schedule is the foundation of the budget which in turn is the basis of the finance plan. The purpose of the budget is to create the financial plan for the film. This module enables students to engage with a sustained and detailed research enquiry into the fundamentals of budgeting and scheduling a script for production.
Part 2:
Changing technology and user demands are radically challenging the established norms for the international film business. This part of the module will examine the key business demands required to run a film business operation effectively. We will look at how the film business functions and what is required to prepare a funding strategy for the 21st century. How do you attract financiers and how does film economics function? The module will examine the independent film industry and will analyze the present structure as a business. We will research current business structures and analyze how it potentially may change the structure and opportunities offered by the industry in the future, whilst exploring the different business and management skills and strategies.
Content
Semester 1:
How to read and interpret a Script
Critically analyse a script
Creating the schedule
Reviewing the schedule
Budgeting basics
Globals, Groups and sets
Interpreting the schedule
Building the budget
Reviewing the budget
Presenting the budget and schedule
Semester 2:
Acquiring the rights and the Option
Developing your film
Film Financing Models and the Waterfall
Preparing the cost report and forecasting the film
Music
Copyright in Film Production
The Legal Process and Chain of Title
Production Insurances and Completion Guarantees
Film Business Strategies
Sales and Distribution
How to read and interpret a Script
Critically analyse a script
Creating the schedule
Reviewing the schedule
Budgeting basics
Globals, Groups and sets
Interpreting the schedule
Building the budget
Reviewing the budget
Presenting the budget and schedule
Semester 2:
Acquiring the rights and the Option
Developing your film
Film Financing Models and the Waterfall
Preparing the cost report and forecasting the film
Music
Copyright in Film Production
The Legal Process and Chain of Title
Production Insurances and Completion Guarantees
Film Business Strategies
Sales and Distribution
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Application of Number | Use of the professional software packages will develop the ability to interpret statistical and mathematical information. The module will also develop the student ‘s ability to read and understand data. |
| Communication | Managing the filmmaking process is all about communication. Discussion based group seminars facilitate critical thinking and help to develop good presentation skills. The use of electronic journals and reports are highly relevant for the successful preparation of the research project. In addition, although not required, students may choose to use electronic library database skills. Independent work on assessed essay helps to develop writing skills which will be of use when writing the assessment. Effective communications skills - oral, written and visual, will be developed throughout the module. |
| Improving own Learning and Performance | Formative feedback will be provided throughout the module which will help students to improve their own learning and performance. Students will improve their learning by undertaking directed but independent study and work. Time management will be crucial in preparation for assessments. |
| Information Technology | Specialized Professional software is used and students’ skills will be developed through the module. Students will prepare and input data, manage systems and interpret information. |
| Personal Development and Career planning | The module emphasizes production work in professionally defined roles, it establishes on a basic level the professional procedures in production and the business of film. Knowledge and understanding of contemporary issues in the research study area as well as research skills developed in connection with the preparation of assessed individual coursework contribute to transferable skills. |
| Problem solving | Filmmaking is a continuous process of problem-solving. The module demands the participants to apply analytical skills to reason and understand the challenging nature of the subject. By introducing a variety of theoretical as well as empirical topics, the module enables students to develop creative thinking approaches to problem solving. These skills will have to be applied in seminar discussions, preparation of the budget and schedule and the research project. |
| Research skills | Students undertake research as part of the seminar program and will be assessed on their ability to identify, locate, evaluate and effectively use their knowledge to apply to the issues that arise. |
| Subject Specific Skills | Film Production skills will be developed throughout the module. |
| Team work | Team work ethics are encouraged in seminars. During seminars students will be encouraged to participate in interactive group discussions/presentations. |
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 7